Frequently Asked Questions About My Services

What can I expect from my initial visit? You will meet with me to discuss what concern(s) brings you to therapy. This meeting should help clarify and identify your treatment options. Our initial assessment may take 1 to 3 sessions. During this time, I may ask your permission to contact previous providers to obtain past treatment information. This will give us the necessary information to completely understand your concerns and my ability to assist you. This is also an essential time period for you to ensure that I am a good fit for your personal needs. Establishing a professional, therapeutic relationship with me is a mutual decision based on these factors. If you choose not to receive services, I will provide you with the names of other qualified professionals that may better assist you. What can I expect from therapy? The therapeutic process assists in resolving personal difficulties and acquiring skills, attitudes, and knowledge to live an adaptive, satisfying and productive life. This occurs through regular contact with me where we discuss the important issues in your life and address your treatment goals. What are your credentials and clinical background? I have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). I am a licensed psychologist in Illinois, and a member of the APA and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. I specialize in working with adults and emerging adults on life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and performance-based issues among many others. How do I utilize my insurance benefits to cover services? Your health insurance plan may help you pay for therapy. I am a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, CIGNA & Medicare provider. I am considered an out-of-network provider with all other insurances. If I am out-of-network with your insurance I will need to collect payment from you directly and you will need to submit for reimbursement from your insurance provider. If you need a monthly statement for this purpose or tax purposes, I am happy to provide that. However, you are ultimately responsible for payment of services rendered. What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session? Any cancellations of appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session. If you do not call to cancel and/or fail to show, you will be charged $75 for that appointment. If you need to reschedule an appointment, please contact me as early as possible and I will make every effort to schedule another time to meet. What if I need to contact you before my scheduled appointment? You may leave a message on my confidential voicemail. I make every effort to return phone calls within 24 hours. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room for immediate care. Are my visits confidential? The information you share in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission. There are some exceptions to confidentiality including: (1) If you are at imminent risk to harm yourself or another person, the law requires me to try to protect you and/or the other person by informing appropriate individuals to maintain safety; (2) If you disclose information pertaining to child or elder abuse, the law requires me to report this to authorities; and (3) If I receive a court-order for your clinical record or to testify. If such rare situation(s) occurs, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking action.